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Tesco to Equip 5,000 Delivery Drivers with Bodycams Amid Rise in Abusive Behavior

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the prevalence of abusive behavior towards delivery drivers continues to escalate, Tesco has announced plans to outfit over 5,000 drivers across 100 stores with bodycams. This move comes amidst a backdrop of increasing violence and verbal abuse against retail workers, with a survey by the British Retail Consortium revealing a 50% rise in incidents last year. The decision follows the introduction of DNA testing kits in delivery vans last year, which were deployed to collect evidence in cases of assault. Tesco's Chief Executive, Ashwin Prasad, emphasized the importance of protecting drivers and deterring would-be offenders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 5,000 Tesco delivery drivers will be equipped with bodycams across 100 stores to address abusive behavior.
  • A survey by Usdaw found that more than 75% of delivery drivers for Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons had experienced abuse in the past 12 months.
  • 13% of delivery drivers reported being assaulted, and 25% had refused a delivery due to safety concerns.
  • In Scotland, where delivery drivers are protected by law, reported incidents have dropped by 60% and verbal abuse by 37%.
  • Tesco's pilot camera scheme in Hull saw a 50% reduction in serious incidents against drivers.
  • The British Retail Consortium reported a 50% increase in violence and abuse against shopworkers last year, with over 2,000 incidents per day.

Statistics:

  • 1.45 million online grocery deliveries are made by Tesco every week.
  • 75% of delivery drivers for Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons had experienced abuse in the past 12 months (Usdaw).
  • 13% of delivery drivers reported being assaulted (Usdaw).
  • 50% reduction in serious incidents against drivers in Tesco's Hull pilot (Tesco).
  • 60% drop in reported incidents in Scotland (compared to the rest of the UK).
  • 37% decrease in verbal abuse in Scotland (compared to the rest of the UK).
  • 50% increase in violence and abuse against shopworkers last year (British Retail Consortium).

Sources:

  • [Usdaw]
  • [Tesco]
  • [British Retail Consortium]
  • [Governance UK]

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